8 Secrets from a Manicurist for Amazing Nails

Because if you're going to DIY, you might as well do it right.

Is it just us, or does there always seems to be something a little off with your mani, whether it’s streaking, smudging, or chipping that always seems to happen the instant the paint dries? We asked Claire Beaudreault, manicurist at Paintbox Manicure Studio in New York City, what you need to know to get amazing nails every time—without heading to the salon.

Roll, Don’t Shake
It’s a common misconception that shaking the polish bottle is the best way to prep it for painting—but Beaudreault says that’s a surefire way to get a bumpy mani because it creates oxygen bubbles in the polish. Instead, she recommends rolling the bottle between your palms while holding it upside down. It will mix the polish without introducing too much air.

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Technique is Key
For streak-free application, Beaudreault recommends applying polish in thin, even layers. Start with one confident stroke down the center of the nail, then add another stroke on either side to cover the nail. For a mani that lasts, run the brush across the very tip of the nail, too, to “cap” the polish. This will make it less likely to chip, says Beaudreault.

Two is the Magic Number
When it comes to coats, Beaudreault says that you can’t go wrong with two. One coat may not cover the nail entirely, but the drying time for three can leave you with wet (and therefore smudge-prone) nails for an excessive period of time. Just be sure the layers are thin and gloop-free to ensure quick drying time and an even finish.

Avoid Certain Ingredients
Beaudreault recommends steering clear of these five ingredients: dibutyl phthalate (DBP), toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, and camaphor. They're all harmful to the body, with the damage ranging from coating your nails in a plastic layer to irritating your skin. Luckily, many brands are going five-free, which means they’ve eliminated these ingredients from their formulas. Beaudreault says that using five-free polishes is essential for strong nails. Brands to try include Zoya, RGB, and Chanel.

In a Pinch, Go Metallic
Sometimes your polish can add that last stroke of confidence before you walk out the door, but unfortunately drying time can cramp your style. If you’re in a hurry but still want a flash of color on your fingers, try a metallic polish, says Beaudreault. These often go on opaque with just one coat, which obviously dries a lot faster than the two or three coats that other polishes require.

Skip the Soak
Though the nail soak is a classic feature of salon manicures, Beaudreault says it's best to skip it. Nails become porous after soaking in water, making the polish less likely to adhere to the surface well. This goes for showering pre-mani, as well. Nix the soak, and cut straight to the chase with clean, dry nails.

Round Nails Are Strong Nails
While new nail shapes are as trendy as nail art itself (almond, Squoval, what’s next?), Beaudreault says that the classic rounded tip is the way to go when it comes to strength. Short, rounded edges absorb maximum impact due to their natural shape, which means breakage is less likely to happen.

Treat With Your Base Coat
It’s common sense—the layer closest to your nail will have the highest impact on its health. Beaudreault recommends looking for base coats with strengthening proteins to fortify nails. Her favorite is Zoya Anchor Base Coat, which includes a complex protein chain to strengthen nails ($10, zoya.com)

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